This Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic! With seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey cheese in the middle, it’s a meal everyone will love.
I mean, who can resist the cheesy surprise? 🤤 I like to serve it with some garlic bread on the side—it makes every bite even more delicious!
Making this meatloaf is super simple! Just mix, stuff, and bake. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, plus the leftovers are great for sandwiches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use a mix of 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, go for ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind it may be a bit drier without adjustments.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs bring lots of flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of Italian herbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs will work too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth. If you’re out, Pecorino or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can give a nice taste for a dairy-free option.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is super convenient, but homemade is even better! You can swap for any favorite tomato sauce or even barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
How Do I Shape Meatloaf Without Making a Mess?
Shaping meatloaf can be tricky, but a few simple tricks can help. First, don’t handle the meat too much. Gently mix everything and use parchment or foil to help shape it without sticking to your hands.
- Moisten your hands with water or oil while forming the loaf to prevent sticking.
- Form half the meat mixture, add the cheese, and then layer on the rest. Press gently to seal.
- Use a baking sheet covered in parchment paper for easy clean-up!
Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 60-70 minutes to bake. With the resting time included, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes total before you can dig in. It’s a great dish to prepare for family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with easy clean-up!
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the Base:
On a large piece of parchment paper or foil, form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape that’s about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide. This is the base of your stuffed meatloaf.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of this base layer. This melty cheese is going to be the star of the show!
5. Complete the Loaf:
Carefully cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture, gently pressing the edges together to seal it in. Make sure there are no gaps, so the cheese stays inside while baking.
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Transfer the whole meatloaf onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf for extra flavor and moisture as it cooks.
7. Cook to Perfection:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this for accuracy.
8. Rest Before Slicing:
Once it’s done baking, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making it more flavorful when you slice it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with the remaining marinara sauce drizzled on top. It pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just remember that these meats can be drier, so you may want to add a bit more moisture, such as an extra egg or a splash more milk, to keep the meatloaf juicy.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf up to the baking stage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For best results, cover with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
What Can I Serve with Stuffed Italian Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over pasta for a hearty meal, or even make meatloaf sandwiches the next day with the leftovers!
